What Is a Good SEER Rating for AC Systems?

If you’re thinking about air conditioner installation in West Columbia, you should also be looking at your new air conditioner’s SEER rating.

SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Basically, it gauges how efficient your air conditioner is at turning electricity into chilled air. A high number indicates your air conditioner is more efficient, which is excellent for your electrical costs.

However, there are a lot of varying options on the market for air conditioners. And a greater SEER number typically involves a more expensive price tag. So, how do you know which one is ideal for your house?

At Tri City Fuel & Heating, we provide a free, no-pressure home comfort analysis. You can schedule one by contacting us at 803-265-4208. Our experienced air conditioner installers will partner with you to help you find the right air conditioner for your family. Plus, they’ll also give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

In the meantime, let’s go over SEER ratings and how they can impact your loved ones’ comfort. And your electrical expenses.

What Does the SEER Rating Even Matter?

In 2016, the federal government developed new SEER rules. New air conditioners must be at baseline 13 SEER in the northernmost United States and 14 SEER in the southeast and southwest. If you’re not sure when you had your air conditioner replaced or what its SEER rating is, you can look at the sticker on the unit outside your home. If you can’t locate the sticker, you can get in touch with us at 803-265-4208 for assistance.

If your air conditioner was installed before that time, it’s presumably much less efficient. Air conditioning technology has swiftly changed in the past several years, with major advances in energy efficiency and smart home capability. Pairing your new air conditioner with a smart thermostat could help you conserve more on cooling bills, as the thermostat can automatically regulate your temperature settings when you’re gone.

If your existing air conditioner has a SEER rating between 8 and 10, getting a 14-SEER system could save you an estimated 30–50% on annual air conditioning costs. Your savings are tied to your air conditioner size and your temperature settings.

Is the highest SEER Rating the Best?

An air conditioner with a higher SEER rating will be more efficient at using electricity for cooling. The highest efficiency ones, which can go as great as 26 SEER, have ENERGY STAR® certification. This certification means the air conditioner matches EPA rules for energy savings and environmental conservation.

While ENERGY STAR air conditioners are typically more costly, you’ll generally get the difference back over the years through lower electric costs. These air conditioners, which are generally rated 16 SEER and greater, need about 8% less electricity than other new systems, according to ENERGY STAR.

One of the greatest differences between a 14 SEER and 16 SEER is variable-speed capability. A variable-speed air conditioner can work at a number of speeds. This fine-tunes comfort for your home while keeping your energy bills reduced. It can also keep temperatures and humidity more even, since it can work for longer without needing a lot more energy.

When getting a variable-speed air conditioner, you’ll want to ensure that your furnace or air handler is compatible. This is due to the fact your air conditioner uses this equipment’s blower to disperse chilled air across your home. Furnaces only work for approximately 20 years, so if yours is getting old, we suggest getting furnace installation at the same time so you can get all the benefits of your variable-speed air conditioner.

When you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, the cooling specialists at Tri City Fuel & Heating are ready to support you. Call us at 803-265-4208 to set your free home comfort analysis right away.